ARLO
When my phone vibrated, I woke up. I checked who was calling me. I rubbed my eyes; Grandpa Thomas’s name was on the screen.
“What? At this time?” I said, noting it was just nine in the morning.
I glanced at Lily, who was still sound asleep. I quietly got up so I wouldn’t wake her. I stepped out to answer Grandpa Thomas’s call.
“Hello, Grandpa. Good morning,” I greeted politely.
“Where are you right now?” Grandpa asked authoritatively.
“I’m here in Alabama with Lily. Daddy knows about it.”
“Come home right now!”
“Grandpa—”
“Arlo, did you hear what I said? Come back to Huntsville this instant. Don’t make me angry.”
“But Grandpa, is there a problem?” I asked.
“Arlo, don’t be stubborn. You don’t want my men to be the ones to bring you back here, do you? Who are you with in Alabama?” Grandpa asked again.
“Lily, Grandpa Thomas,” I replied.
Grandpa let out a deep sigh on the other end of the line. I couldn’t understand why he was asking me to come back to Huntsville right now. I had already informed Daddy that I’d be taking a four-day leave to spend time with Lily.
“You need to be at the mansion later tonight. We have something important to discuss.” I was about to say something, but Grandpa hung up the call.
I called Daddy to ask why Grandpa suddenly wanted me to come back. He wasn’t answering my call. He was probably with Grandpa Thomas, which was why he couldn’t pick up.
I quickly dialed Mama’s number. She answered after just two rings.
“Hello, Mommy. What’s going on there? Why is Grandpa asking me to come home?” I asked.
“I don’t know either. He hasn’t said anything. It’s better for you to just follow your Grandpa since you know how old Grandpa Thomas is now,” Mama said on the other end of the line.
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow, Mommy?”
“Whatever your Grandpa told you to do, son, just follow it. You don’t want anything bad to happen.”
“But Mommy, we’ve already talked about this. Grandpa knows I didn’t agree with what he wanted. Mommy, tell me the truth—is the reason Grandpa wants me back because he still wants me to marry the granddaughter of his friend? Didn’t I already do what he wanted and introduce him to the woman I will marry?”
“It’s better, son, for you to talk face-to-face with your Grandpa. Your Daddy also talked to him, but it was about you. Still, your Grandpa didn’t listen.”
“I’ll face him with Lily later, Mom,” I said.
“Alright, son, bye-bye. I have something important to take care of. See you later, and make sure to come home.”
After talking to Mommy, I went back to Lily, who was still sound asleep. I lay beside her again and kissed her smooth, fair arm.
I knew I was happy being with Lily. My life had changed since she came into it. Maybe I do love her, and I’m now sure of my feelings for her. When I tell her I love her, I feel happy, but I’m still hesitant to settle down. I know what Grandpa wants—it’s not just a simple commitment; he wants marriage.
Speaking of marriage, it’s still not in my vocabulary. I don’t even understand myself. Maybe I’m just confused for now.
“Good morning,” Lily said to me with a smile.
“Good morning to you too, babe,” I replied, hugging her tightly.
“How long have you been awake?” she asked me.
“Ju-just a while ago,” I said. I didn’t know how to tell her that I needed to go back to Huntsville today.
“I’m hungry,” she said to me.
“Let’s eat out. Do you want to?”
“Of course, as long as I’m with you.” I smiled at what she said.
